My Top Choices For Year-Round Face Protection

 
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We’ve already celebrated Labor Day weekend, but that doesn’t mean that the summer is over, especially for us West Coast folks. That’s why I’ve put together a list of my fave sun care products that you can use year-round (yes, even in the winter!).

According to Medical Esthetician and Dermovia Co-Founder Anita Sun, “It’s important to use sunscreen everyday regardless of the season because harmful UV rays are still present even when it’s not sunny.” That’s right, so even though you don’t feel the warmth from the sun in the winter, like you do in the summer, you’re still getting exposure to harmful rays. She recommends getting chemical peel treatments throughout the year as it will “help to brighten the and remove surface skin that has been damaged from the sun's rays.” And for those of you who opt for a more natural ingredients approach, she advises using her product, Dermovia’s Lace Your Face Mask in Brightening Bearberry, which contains natural alpha-arbutin, and comprised of elements of lemon extract and kojic acid to brighten the skin and restore radiance. 

Here’s a list of my most-treasured face products that will keep you forever protected from the sun’s rays no matter what season.

Everyday Protection
I love using a morning facial moisturizer with SPF so I can then wear any foundation of my choice, even though I usually will opt for one that contains sunscreen protection. However, now I don’t have to think twice about that when I use the Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer/SPF 50 ($48). Not only does it provide UV protection, but it also includes anti-aging benefits, so the sunscreen stays on the surface of the skin while the good stuff (AKA Advanced Actives) penetrates deeper into the pores to help fight wrinkles and fine lines.

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Daytime Touch-ups
On a recent facial visit, my esthetician told me that even though I consistently wear a sunscreen-based moisturizer or foundation, I still need to protect my face with sunscreen every two hours. Umm, how is that possible when I’ve already applied my makeup for the day? She suggested Supergoop’s Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 ($8-$28) and I’ll just say it…this product is pure genius! How did I live my life without knowing about it? The setting mist not only helps my face look refreshed with rosemary and mint essences, but the formula is so light that it doesn’t disturb the layer of makeup I’ve already carefully applied!

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Cover It Up
When mid-day hits and you want to get rid of some excess shine and matte out the face, I love using Clarins Everlasting Compact Foundation ($42) because it’s a great way to freshen up the face and it also contains SPF 15.  Ummm, genius! It’s light and silky enough to cover up blemishes yet it doesn’t dry out the face. 

 
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Nighttime Guard
If your nighttime skincare routine looks like an all-you-can-eat salad bar, then read on! The Evening Facial Repair Serum ($96) by MDSolarSciences was created specifically to apply at night after a day in the sun, and could not be more perfect for your skincare regime.  This serum includes retinol, which is key in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles. Thanks to key ingredients such as chamomile, seaweed extract, caffeine, aloe and niacinamide, it also makes the skin appear more radiant and full of life. (So maybe a little coffee before bed isn’t so bad?) 

 
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